NATURE
MONCTON NATURE NEWS
October 31,
2023
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For more information on Nature Moncton, check the website at www.naturemoncton.com .
Edited by
Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com
Proofreading
courtesy of Louise Nichols at nicholsl@eastlink.ca
**When Barb Curlew went out Monday afternoon to check for birds,
it was snowing and at high tide. She was surprised to see a GREATER YELLOWLEGS
foraging in the flooded marsh and the snowy conditions. Likewise for the AMERICAN ROBINS
that were feeding on the Mountain Ash berries.
**Eileen Pike shares a link below to
an upcoming Sea Duck Conference that may be of interest to many naturalists.
The link attached has a wealth of information about this upcoming event that
can be attended virtually as well.
7th International Sea Duck Conference
**Brian Stone
visited the Arthur St./Grand Pre St. lagoon in Memramcook on Monday afternoon
and enjoyed the newly scenic snow-covered scenery along the way. At the lagoon,
Brian noted as many types of ducks as he could through the heavy snowfall.
There were more than a hundred Northern Shoveler Ducks swimming around
in groups, and many Ring-necked Ducks were present also. Lots of gulls
were mixed in with the ducks, with Ring-billed Gulls being in the
majority.
(Editor’s
note: many of the Ring-billed Gulls will leave us for the winter for more
southerly weather. Note the very streaked heads of their winter plumage.)
A Hybrid Mallard Duck and
partner made an interesting subject in a snow-filled scene. The best duck
present was a lone Ruddy Duck that was kind enough to come close enough
to the viewing blind to be visible, with less snow obscuring his portrait.
(Editor’s
note: the Ruddy Duck is a species that goes into non-breeding plumage at this
time of year and will remain that way for most of the winter.)
(Editors
note: rumour has it that the main reason Brian was out in the snowstorm was for
a required game of chess in an attempt to topple the dominance of President
Fred, which again, wild rumour suggests was unsuccessful. The bird life made
for an adequate consolation prize!)
**The first seasonal snowfall can start to
remind us Christmas is on the way and that also may mean popping Christmas
cards in the mail. To quote President Fred’s recent announcement:
Nature Moncton
has Christmas cards available. All photos are taken locally and submitted by
local photographers. On the front is a
photo; on the back is the Nature Moncton logo, name of the subject and the photographer.
Inside will have “Seasons Greetings”
printed in red but still has lots of room for writing a message. The format is
the same as the regular greeting cards (8.5” x 5.5”) with envelopes included. You
can order a random set of the 6 cards available or select any
combination. For instance, you could
order 10 Northern Cardinal cards and 2 Black-capped Chickadee cards for
$20.00. Make up your own package. President
Fred will print to order.
These cards can be ordered by phone at
506-334-0100 or by email at fredrichards@rogers.com. The pricing will be 5 cards for $10.00, 12
cards for $20.00 and 20 cards for $30.00.
Please keep sending your beautiful
photos to Nelson, as they were the inspiration that made this possible.
Nelson Poirier
Nature Moncton
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